PHILADELPHIA, PA – The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia (the Chamber) is pleased to announce that Jami McKeon, Chair of Morgan Lewis, will receive the 2025 William Penn Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a business executive in Greater Philadelphia.
The award, which has been given annually since 1949, recognizes an individual for his/her outstanding contributions toward the betterment of the region, professional accomplishments, and commitment to the community. McKeon will be honored on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
“As a passionate leader of our Chamber, a pioneer in the legal industry, and a champion of diversity, Jami has left an indelible mark on our city and region,” said Chellie Cameron, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber. “I’m thrilled to celebrate her contributions to our business community and to have the privilege of collaborating with her to increase economic opportunity across Greater Philadelphia.”
As the first woman chair in Morgan Lewis’s 150+ year history, McKeon is the architect of trailblazing initiatives earning Morgan Lewis its reputation as one of the most well-rounded and forward-thinking law firms in the world—including consecutive years in the coveted top 5 spot on The American Lawyer’s prestigious A-List and 20+ consecutive years on BTI Consulting Group’s elite Client Service 30. For over a decade, she has led more than 4,000 lawyers, specialists, and professional staff across four continents through transformational growth and some of the most pivotal moments in recent history.
“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Jami at the Chamber for years and I’ve seen firsthand how her leadership transforms not just organizations, but entire communities. Her unwavering commitment to breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for everyone embodies exactly what we need in Greater Philadelphia. Jami doesn’t just talk about inclusive growth—she lives it every day, and that’s why she’s so deserving of this honor,” said Christopher Franklin, Chairman and CEO of Essential Utilities and Chair of the Board of Directors of the Chamber.
McKeon is a frequent speaker and active in community service organizations, including service on the board of directors for Equal Justice Works and the Philadelphia Orchestra Kimmel Center. She is also a member of the advisory board of the Harvard Law School Center on the Legal Profession, the Penn Carey Law Board of Advisors, and the Utah Royals Football Club. She serves on the Chamber’s Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and Paradigm Award & Scholarship Committee. She was awarded with the Chamber’s Paradigm Award in 2019, which is presented annually to a businesswoman whose outstanding professional and personal achievements serve as a model for success.
“I’m deeply honored to receive this recognition and to join the remarkable leaders before me who have strengthened our region’s business community,” said McKeon. “This award reflects our shared commitment to driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and creating opportunities across Greater Philadelphia. As someone who proudly calls this city home, I’m inspired to continue collaborating with my fellow Chamber colleagues to ensure our region remains a dynamic place to live, work, and do business.”
Among numerous personal accolades, McKeon has been honored by Financial Times as one of the most consequential law firm leaders of the past two decades, recognizing that she led the firm to “elite law firm status.” McKeon has also received the ABA’s Margaret Brent Award, which honors outstanding women lawyers who have achieved professional excellence and paved the way for other women in the legal profession; the Business Leader of the Year Award from Drexel University; the American Red Cross Lifetime Achievement Award; the United Way Women’s Leadership Initiative Award; a Special Achievement Award from Financial Times for her innovative approach to Morgan Lewis’s strategic growth; an Innovative Law Firm Leader award from Corporate Counsel; and is included on Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Leaders list.
Past William Penn Award recipients include Daniel K. Fitzpatrick, President, Citizens Mid-Atlantic and Midwest Regions; Madeline Bell, President and CEO, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Brian L. Roberts, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Comcast Corporation; John A. Fry, President, Temple University; Denis P. O’Brien, Interim President, Drexel University; Dr. Amy Gutmann, former President, University of Pennsylvania; Daniel J. Hilferty, CEO, Independence Blue Cross; C.R. “Chuck” Pennoni, PE, Founder and Chairman, Pennoni; Judith M. von Seldeneck, Founder and Chair, DSG Global; William P. Hankowsky, former Chairman, President and CEO, Liberty Property Trust; Joseph Neubauer, former Chair, ARAMARK; J. William Mills, III, former Regional President, Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, PNC Bank.
For more information, visit: ChamberPHL.com/signature-events/william-penn-award-dinner
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About the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia
The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia works together with members, investors, and stakeholders, to realize our bold vision: Greater Philadelphia is a top global destination for business and a leader in inclusive growth. As the metro-regional chamber of commerce serving the 11-county, tri-state Greater Philadelphia region, we are the premier organization to convene and connect business, government and civic leaders to drive economic growth and prosperity for all.
